Caregiver Health
Caregiver Health and Fitness is often one of the most overlooked
aspects in the health care profession. As caregivers we are the type of
people who put others needs ahead of our own. Now don't get me wrong I
believe this is a great thing. If more people behaved this way then I
think the world would be a much better place; however, as with most
things, there is a downside.
Too often we neglect our own health
because we are too busy worrying about other people. Whether you work
in a hospital or other health care facility or if you are in a home
taking care of children or an aging loved one YOU are the most important
piece in the puzzle. You must learn that it is vital that you take
time each day to do things that will keep you strong and energized and
most importantly you must NOT feel guilty about it.
One of the biggest problems I have experienced in my time as a caregiver is back problems, specifically lower back pain. The most common reasons
for back pain is 1) lack of strength in the muscles and 2) lack of
flexibility. The best exercises for these issues are Yoga and Pilates Not only will you build strong muscles but
you will increase your flexibility and balance at the same time. When
you are working as a caregiver it is important that you build "Real
World" strength. Most activities that you perform in your daily life
require multiple muscle groups all working together to accomplish the
task. If you are trying to lift someone out of a wheel chair you will
not only have to use your arms but your shoulders, back and legs also.
It is important that whatever exercise routine you choose that you make
sure to get a Total Body Workout
The next most neglected
area of Caregiver Health is your diet. Believe me I understand what it
is like to be too busy to eat right. This is one of my biggest problems
in life. It seems like we either end up eating the leftovers off of
someone's plate, eating crap like chips and soda, or all too often not
eating at all. Do you ever get to the end of the day and you can't even
remember what or IF you ate that day?
You have to start making
proper eating habits a priority. Try eating 4-6 small meals throughout
the day, replace soda with water and chips with fruit and vegetables and
most importantly pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth.
Take time to chew, sit down to eat and realize that if you don't eat
right then you are just inviting illness later on.
Always remember
that the people you are taking care of are depending on you. If you
don't take care of yourself then you will not be able to take care of
them properly.
Whether you are an employer, the person being
taken care of, or the caregiver it is vital that you make Caregiver
Health a priority. Not only will the caregiver feel better physically
but knowing they are a valued member of the team will help them
emotionally and psychologically.
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